Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care: What’s the Difference?

Our providers give children and adults non-life threatening injury and illness treatment, x-rays, lab testing and vaccinations at 1/3 the cost of an emergency room visit. We’re open 7 days a week with extended hours and accept most insurance plans.

In your excitement to head out the door to grab a bite to eat at Wingstop, you’ve just sprained your ankle while stepping off a curb. It’s swollen and painful, and you’re not sure if it’s broken. You’re stuck deciding—should you head straight to the emergency room or visit urgent care?

It’s a tough choice, especially in the moment. But knowing the difference ahead of time can help you make the right call quickly, saving time and easing stress in a difficult situation. In general, the emergency room should be visited if the problem is life threatening. Urgent Care clinics, like AFC SW Charlotte, should be visited if the problem is non-life-threatening, but is too pressing to wait to see your primary care doctor.

When to visit AFC Urgent Care?

Urgent care clinics are a great option for many of the same health concerns you’d usually visit your primary care doctor for. They’re equipped to handle a wide range of acute illnesses and minor injuries, including:

• Rapid Testing: COVID-19, Strep, Flu and RSV
• Monkeypox Testing & Treatment
• Colds, Coughs and Flu
• Cuts and Bruises
• Earaches and Infections
• Sprains and Strains
• Vomiting and Diarrhea
• Allergy Treatment
• Impetigo
• Blood Pressure Issues
• Asthma
• Broken Bones & Fractures
• Abscesses & Cysts
• Respiratory Infections
• Nausea and Headaches
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Eye Injuries
• Ingrown Toenails
• Back Pain
• (and more!)

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, visit AFC SW Charlotte.

When to visit the ER?

If you’re facing a life-threatening medical emergency, it’s crucial to head to the emergency room or call 911 immediately. Situations that require emergency care can include:

• Severe Burns
• Severe Allergic Reactions
• Neck & Spinal Injury
• Severe animal bites
• Sudden blurring or loss of vision
• High fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit for two or more days
• Loss of consciousness or signs of stroke
• Severe breaks or loss of limb
• Repeated vomiting or vomiting blood
• Seizure
• Heavy Bleeding

Key Differences Between Emergency Rooms and Urgent Care Clinics

The differences between emergency rooms and urgent care centers go beyond the type of treatment you need. Other factors to consider include cost, wait times, and operating hours:

• Cost: On average, an urgent care visit costs $125–$160, while an emergency room visit can range from $400 to $2,000. AFC clinics offer care at about one-third the cost of an ER visit.
• Wait Times: Urgent care centers typically have shorter wait times than ERs, where life-threatening cases are prioritized. At AFC Urgent Care, no appointment is needed.
• Hours of Operation: AFC Urgent Care clinics are open seven days a week with extended hours, making it easier to fit medical care into your busy schedule. Emergency rooms are open 24/7 for critical cases.

By understanding these key differences, you can make an informed choice that best suits you and your loved one’s needs.

The Care You’ll Receive

Both facilities are staffed by experienced professionals that are there to help you recover. Urgent care centers often have on-site X-ray services for diagnosing fractures and other injuries. For more advanced imaging—such as ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs—you’ll typically need to visit an emergency room or hospital.

At our SW Charlotte clinic, you can expect high-quality medical attention in a kind and caring environment, while respecting the rights of all patients, in an economical manner, at times and locations convenient to the patient.

What sets us apart from other urgent care clinics are our on-site technology and patient services, which include:

• Digital X-rays
• State-of-the-art diagnostic procedures
• Electronic medical record keeping
• Highly trained team of medical professionals
• Clinical lab testing
• Sports and school physicals
• Travel medicine
• Occupational health services

Why Choose AFC Urgent Care?

At AFC Urgent Care, we understand that life doesn’t wait for your doctor’s office to open. That’s why we’re here to provide quick and reliable care for non-emergency health concerns—no appointment needed.

From treating minor injuries to diagnosing acute illnesses, we’re dedicated to delivering exceptional care in a friendly, respectful environment. With convenient locations throughout the Charlotte area, you can count on us to be there when you need us most.